Penguin
Thu 1 Dec 2005 14:17
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DAY 11
That's better - a reasonable nights kip last night after the terrors of Tuesday night, which was
most uncomfortable, due to roller coaster ride from gusty wind and erratic
waves.
GENERAL SYNOPSIS FOR THE LAST 24/48
hrs
Windy for the last two days - too much for kite so
have been sailing with two or three reefs in the main and the headsail poled
out. Bowling along at 6.5 -7knots, and another 1-2 if can catch a wave for
some surfing. Sun shining and is HOT. Daily runs of
150-170miles so all going well. Have passed the halfway mark in terms
of distance sailed as have already sailed 1500 miles and now have less than 1500
to go. Boat going well, no breakages. Position around
15.20N, 35.20W. (Kite has just gone up whilst writing this log - boat
speed up 1 1/2 knots)
BETTING UPDATE.
As well as betting on strange things like the
fastest boat speed that will be logged, first person to be sick, etc., we also
bet on daily mileage run. Only started this 6 days ago and already
Clare has been the closest on three occasions. Overall standings on all
betting items:
Clare 5 (daily runs & date to cover first 1000
miles)
Jackie 2 (Day first fish caught and daily
log)
Norman (Time to reach first 500 miles)
J (daily log and fastest boat
speed)
Rob 1 (Date for first 1500 miles gone)
Any other betting ideas, please send them
through.
Fastest speed standing at 9.38kns by
Norman
FLYING FISH ATTACK
the flying fish seem have decided we
are their enemy and attempt to take control of the boat by hurling
themselves onto the deck in suicide attacks and even infiltrating the inner
sanctum by sneaking through open hatches. tempting as it is to slip them
straight under the grill we are have done our best to save them and send
the message back to their leaders that we come in peace. but they don't
seem to be getting the message and had about 16 to clear up this morning but we
are wondering if they represent a food source? but they must be the
fishiest smelling fish and generally seem to be pretty small (whitebait
springs to mind).
A DAY IN THE LIFE
Just in case you were wondering, heres
a typical day in the life of us out here on the beautiful
briney!
Watch system running continuously, with one person
on watch (i.e. looking out for nasties and sometimes helming, if autopilot being
awkward!). During the day the watches last 2 1/2 hours and through the
night go down to 2hrs. Generally everyone's up and about by 0830-0930 ish
and breakkie being eaten. Books and suncream lotion come out shortly after
this, with Norman generally doing the dishes. He looks good in his little
pinnie! Odd jobs sorted out by Rob & Norman (normally) whilst Clare
and J sort out lunch. (Quite quick after breakfast, isn't it). Bit of
cleaning done and a look at the weather systems, to decide which is best route
to take. This involves either making sure we are dodging cyclones, or
trying to work out where the trade winds will set in (and remain).
Hopefully we position ourselves in the best place overall.
From 1200gmt we listen to weather forecasts
on short wave radio, and pick up on the positions of the other boats, which
then go on a little chart so we can see how we are doing against the nearest
boats on the water. We also radio in our position. This takes
'till around 1500hrs, after which we then think about supper. If the fish
squad have caught anything, that goes on the menu. Otherwise have had Thai
red curry, bean stew, salmon pasta, chilli and a variety of other gourmet
dishes. Clare had had 2 attempts at making bread...edible, if a little
flat....if anyone has any tips on bread making or a good recipe please email!,
We then settle down for the night shifts again, with the occasional card
game or magnetic darts being played. Once it gets dark the stars have
generally been fantastic and Clare is learning all the names of the
constellations.
NAKED ROWER UPDATE
Yes Tracy, you are right, the girls did look
rather interested earlier today when James Cracknell and the other chap
rowed past us! Not sure why as there's some rather serious hunks already
on the boat!!
WILDLIFE UPDATE
Since we starting heading west are wildlife
spotting has become a bit limited, I guess further away from land and the
seas are a bit rougher with the good NE winds. did have a visit from a couple of
egrets who circled the boat several times as if looking for somewhere to
land before heading off. later we heard they had landed on an Italian boat and
stayed for a couple of days, recuperating before heading off in search of a more
suitable habitat. so no more whales and dolphins but the image of the whale
breaching will keep us going for a few days.
FISHING NEWS
The match angling competition is finely poised with
the Clare on 3 and Rob on 2 ( only fish big enough to eat are counted). Rob is
sulking as his best lure - a rather ugly looking orange plastic squid
disappeared from the end of line, but never to be defeated he has adapted a
sparkly pink lure (called Matt) and rather unsportingly set up a double sets of
hook.....but will it be any match for Clare's metal sardine (called
Tom)?....watch this space.
HLS REPORT
Well I'm still here!
I have no idea what it is, its sunny and windy
and we are not far off half way! so the navigators tell me. There is a lot of
betting going on this boat and all I can say is how many of you all back
home wish you were or weren't here? there is soooo much C. love Jak
xxx.
Your toilet maybe level but I bet you ain't
got phosphorescence when you flush!
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